The Better India

The Better India

6/11/2025, 5:28:53 PM

Not every legacy is built in boardrooms. Some grow quietly under open skies. In a heartwarming gesture, the staff of Karnataka’s Badami forest range came together to celebrate the retirement of Shri Parasappa Choudaker, who dedicated 41 years to nurturing the nursery that sustains the region’s green cover. Season after season, Shri Choudaker tended every sapling, watching tiny seeds grow into towering trees that now breathe life into Badami. As he retires, his colleagues came together to honour not just his years of service, but his quiet devotion that will live on in every leaf and every breeze. Shri Choudaker, You didn’t just grow a nursery. You grew hope. Here’s to 41 years of growing life. ❤️ Video credits: @dipika_bajpa on X, Mahesh Marennavar, RFO, Badami Range #ForestHero #BadamiForest #EnvironmentalHero #PositiveNews #Inspiring #Retirement [Badami forest range, nursery, Karnataka, inspiring,forestry service, retirement]

The Better India

6/11/2025, 5:28:52 PM

Few days back, Manipur was grappling with severe floods. Rivers in several parts of the state are flowing above the danger mark, and continuous rainfall has worsened the situation. Amid these challenging circumstances, a video has emerged that has touched millions of hearts. In this viral video, a young man is seen jumping into the raging waters to rescue a helpless dog being swept away by the strong current. The water was flowing with such force that no one would dare to step in without a second thought. But this man, undeterred by the risk to his own life, decided to save the animal. He struggled to reach the dog and ultimately brought it safely to shore. This incident took place in a flood-affected area of Manipur and was shared on social media by a user named @diana_warep on X. While the state government and relief agencies are working tirelessly to move people to safer locations, there are also citizens like this brave individual who are setting an example with their courage and compassion. The floods in Manipur are indeed a crisis, but moments like these remind us that even in the toughest times, the flame of humanity doesn’t fade—it burns even brighter. This story is not just about Manipur. It’s an inspiration for the entire nation and society—that humanity doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, a single act of kindness is enough to touch millions of hearts. #ManipurFloods #HeroicRescue #HumanityFirst #ViralVideo #AnimalRescue #FloodRelief #InspiringStory [Manipur Floods, Dog Rescue Video, Viral Hero Manipur, Flood Rescue Story, Humanity in Crisis, Inspiring Acts India, Brave Man Saves Dog]

The Better India

6/11/2025, 5:28:53 PM

“Our grandparents would take us foraging for snails, hunting, or fishing. There was no electricity, buses, or even proper roads. I enjoyed doing these activities,” shares Chef Vijay Kumar. That’s where it all began — in Natham, a small town in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district. Surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, he watched his grandmother cook snails in an incredible gravy after long days of foraging. He once dreamed of becoming an engineer, but when finances fell short, catering college became his unexpected path. What started as a compromise soon became his calling. Today, at Semma in New York City, Chef Vijay doesn’t just cook — he brings his childhood kitchen in Tamil Nadu to every table. Bold, unapologetic South Indian flavours that many in the West have never experienced fill the menu. From nathai pirattal (snails in spicy gravy) and eral thokku (prawns) to thinai khichdi (foxtail millet porridge) and fermented rice pancakes, every dish is deeply personal and carries the soul of Tamil Nadu. When Semma received the Michelin star, Vijay proudly walked up wearing his mundu, carrying his roots into the global spotlight. Semma has held the Michelin star for three consecutive years. And now, in 2025, Semma has made history — The New York Times has named it New York’s No. 1 Restaurant, a first for any Indian restaurant. @semmanyc | @chef.vijayakumar #ChefVijayKumar #SemmaNYC #MichelinStar #NYCBestRestaurant #TamilNadu [Chef Vijay Kumar, Semma NYC, Michelin star restaurant, New York’s No 1 restaurant 2025, South India, Tamil Nadu]

The Better India

6/9/2025, 5:13:33 PM

359 metres above the riverbed. 17 years of dedication. One woman’s quiet brilliance beneath the world’s highest railway arch bridge. On 6 June 2025, the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir — taller than the Eiffel Tower — was officially inaugurated. A marvel of engineering, it promises all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley and stands as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and national unity. But behind this steel giant stands another pillar — Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, a professor at IISc Bengaluru and a rock engineering expert, who spent 17 years consulting on the project. From slope stabilisation to foundation design, her work ensured that the bridge could withstand earthquakes, wind speeds of up to 260 kmph, and the harshest terrain. As the first woman faculty member in her department at IISc, she also pushed against gender barriers — even advocating for basic infrastructure like women’s restrooms in the geotech building. Armed with a PhD from IIT Madras and a passion for sustainability, she pioneered innovative techniques like cement grouting with steel reinforcements to stabilise fractured Himalayan rocks. Her role in this historic project is a testament to what perseverance, expertise, and quiet leadership can build — literally. #ChenabBridge #MadhaviLatha #WomenInSTEM #IndianEngineering #IISc #STEMLeadership #WorldsHighestRailwayBridge #GeotechHero [Madhavi Latha, IISc Researcher, Chenab Bridge, Jammu & Kashmir]

The Better India

6/9/2025, 5:08:22 PM

For years, Abhishek Banerjee has been the guy you remember, even if you didn’t know his name. A blink-and-miss cameo in Rang De Basanti. The haunting Hathoda Tyagi in Paatal Lok — equal parts terrifying and tragic. A master of supporting roles, always leaving a mark. But today, Abhishek Banerjee isn’t just stealing scenes. He’s owning the screen. With Stolen, he’s delivered a performance so raw, so gut-wrenching, it's being hailed as the role of a lifetime. From Rajkummar Rao to Nushrratt Bharuccha, Ali Fazal to Rana Daggubati — his peers are standing up and applauding. And there’s more. In the upcoming season of Rana Naidu, Abhishek returns as Jaffa — the quietly complicated son of Venkatesh’s character. Once Bollywood’s best-kept secret, Abhishek Banerjee is now front and centre — where he’s always belonged. Here’s to the boy in the background, who never stopped believing. And to the man in the spotlight, who’s just getting started. @nowitsabhi #AbhishekBanerjee #Stolen #IndianCinema #IndianActor #Inspiring [Abhishek Banerjee, Stolen, Indian Actor, Indian Cinema, Inspiring Journey, Stree]

The Better India

6/9/2025, 5:06:13 PM

In a rare act of compassion, the Uttar Pradesh Police turned tragedy into hope — stepping beyond duty to ensure a wedding took place in Gonda. About a month and a half ago, robbers attacked a home in Dhannipurwa village (Umri Begamganj), looting valuables and killing Shivdeen, the brother of the bride, Uday Kumari. Traumatised by the tragedy, the groom’s family backed out of the marriage, leaving the family shattered. When the matter reached senior officials, they decided to act. The Gonda Police, STF, and the Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission came together to take full responsibility for organising the wedding. The entire cost was covered by the STF, police officers, local leaders, and the Women’s Commission. SP Vineet Jaiswal and his wife, Tanvi, attended the ceremony. STF CO D.K. Shahi and other senior officers remained present throughout. From welcoming the groom’s procession to blessing the couple, the police played every familial role. Officers in uniform stood in as the bride’s brothers, escorting her to the stage. The bride’s mother, Shakuntala, became emotional as she said, “I never imagined my daughter’s wedding would happen like this, among such senior officers.” In a world often quick to judge, this moment stood as a quiet reminder — humanity still shines brightest in the darkest of times. #GondaWedding #UPPolice #HumanityFirst #InspiringIndia #STFSupport #PoliceWithHeart #RealHeroes [Gonda Bride Wedding, UP Police, Emotional Indian Wedding, Uttar Pradesh Police, Humanity]

The Better India

5/14/2025, 4:03:41 PM

They giggled like girls, walked with grace, and held decades of friendship in every step. Aishwarya R. captured a moment that melted our hearts—four women in their 70s and 80s, still taking girls’ trips, still making memories. Their secret? “Never stop. Make it a tradition.” And just like that, they reminded us what life is really about: shared laughter, deep bonds, and the courage to keep showing up for joy—year after year. Tag your girl gang and remind them to plan that long-overdue trip now Video Credits: wanderwith.aish on IG. #StoriesThatInspire #GirlsTripGoals #FriendshipGoals [Friendship Goals, Girls Trip]

The Better India

5/15/2025, 3:46:44 PM

Say hello to the future of the jungle! In the heart of Rajasthan, amidst the golden wilds of the Phalodi Range, a young tigress has just stepped into motherhood — and gifted Ranthambore three tiny miracles. Born in 2021 to legendary big cats Noor Jahan (T-114) and Jai (T-108), tigress RBT 2302 has given birth to her first litter of cubs, now officially captured on camera traps in the Devpura forest area. It all began when local villagers spotted the majestic mama with her cubs and alerted forest officials. Since then, the Forest Department has sprung into action — setting up surveillance and intensifying patrols to ensure one thing: these cubs grow up safe, wild, and free. This isn’t just good news — it’s hope with stripes. Welcome to the jungle, little ones.🐾💛 #RanthamboreTigers #TigerCubs #Wildlife #BengalTigers #IndianWildlife #PhalodiRange [Ranthambore tiger cubs, Tigress RBT 2302, Bengal tiger, tiger conservation]

The Better India

5/14/2025, 4:02:47 PM

That refreshing matka water could turn risky if hygiene is ignored! Without daily care, your healthy habit might turn into a health hazard. Watch the video to know and follow 3 simple steps can help you keep the water clean, safe, and perfectly cool! #MatkaWater #EarthenPotCare #SummerTips #EcoFriendlyLiving #NaturalCooling #CleanWater #HealthyHabits [Matka water, clean drinking water, how to clean matka, earthen pot safety, summer hydration tips]

The Better India

5/15/2025, 3:47:48 PM

These powerful words from Guneet Monga’s father, Damanjeet Singh Monga, were more than just a defence — they were a profound declaration of his belief in her potential. Growing up, Guneet wasn’t always a standout student, especially in maths. When a teacher nearly barred her from taking the pre-boards, her father stepped in with a firm yet inspiring remark: “It’s a remark on you as a teacher. Don’t say my daughter is not bright.” His words empowered her to push through and she ended up scoring 70 percent — a victory rooted in her father’s trust. Guneet recently wrote on LinkedIn, “My father was such an amazing person, zinda dil, jisse kehte hain (a lively person).” From selling his gold to fund her school trip to the US to always believing no dream was too big, her father taught her the true power of faith and support. From being a struggling student to standing on the Oscars stage, Guneet’s journey is a shared legacy with her parents. She added, “All this success, the Oscar, all my wins - aren’t mine alone. It’s my story, but it’s also my mother’s, and my father’s." To every parent who sees the light in their child even when others don’t, to every sacrifice made, and every ounce of faith given — this story is for you. #GuneetMonga #ParentingGoals #FatherDaughter #Oscar #Inspiring #IndianParents [Guneet Monga, father support, Indian parenting stories, Oscar, Inspiring]